Botox for migraine has made my eyebrows droop and eyelids droop horrifically! Any suggestions?

Question

I have been getting botox every 3 months for migraine ( Over a year now of treatments ). My eyebrows are now drooping so badly ( Eye lids also ) that I have to use surgical tape to open my area enough for me to see properly. I spoke to my plastic surgeon ( Who is wonderful ) who administers my restylane ( Lips ) and he suggested a brow lift and eye lid lift. What are the downfalls of this procedure and can it affect future treatments of migraine botox?

Julia Ann Sullivan Miller, MD · Answer

Before you have surgery, I would wait for the effects of the Botox to wear off.  Botox is often injected to the forehead muscles as a treatment for migraine headaches.  These muscles help to raise your eyebrows.  Botox injections stop this muscle group form pulling your brows into an upward position.  In addition, as the Botox allows for a relaxation of the forehead muscles, the brows may settle into a lower position resulting in a heavy, droopy appearance.  But this effect is only temporary.  As the Botox wears off, your eyebrows should return to their previous position.  You still may require a brow/eye lift to get the desired cosmetic effect, but first allow the Botox to wear off.  Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

there is nothing you can do at this point but wait for the botox to wear off which takes 3-4 months.  if your eye lids are drooping there are eye drops that can help and you should speak to your physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is unfortunate as this area (forehead) may be one of the trigger points for you ... Moving forward, avoid this area altogether in the future.

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

I agree with the other replies.  The forehead muscles keep the eyebrow up, and too much Botox in that area can result inadvertent dropping of the brows, which is temporary. Moving forward, if you do plan to continue Botox treatment for migraines, I recommend that you ask the injector to limit the number of forehead injections and concentrate on the other injection points instead because, as you know, the forehead is only 1 of the several sites for migraine treatment.  I do not agree with surgery for this.  Be well.

Botox for migraine has made my eyebrows droop and eyelids droop horrifically! Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: Eye Drooping with Botox

Answer: Eye Drooping with Botox

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Everything you need to know about Botox for Migraines

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Botox for migraine has made my eyebrows droop and eyelids droop horrifically! Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: Eye Drooping with Botox

Answer: Eye Drooping with Botox

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for Migraines

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.